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Evolving the Mind, by A. G. Cairns-Smith (Cambridge University Press,
£16.95, ISBN 0 521 40220 4), is an absorbing book. It’s about the brain.
We know a lot about how it works via molecular biology, but none of that
explains our consciousness, our mind. There are, of course, theories—and
Cairns-Smith provides one of his own as well as discussing others, in an
admirably clear style. It is an enjoyable and rewarding read: throw out a couple
of thrillers and take it on holiday.